The Shakers were a religious movement known for their simple lifestyle, and that simplicity is woven into their furniture and architecture. But never make the mistake that “simple” means “poorly-made”. Shaker doors, like all of Shaker cultural artifacts, were designed to be extremely long-lasting, functional, with a friendly and peaceful beauty.
Shaker interior doors are known for their straight 90-degree angles at every point. There is no embellishment or wasted wood for added decor, and that’s what makes them so entrancing. These doors, though they may have one panel or three, are minimalist, and if you didn’t know the rich history of the Shaker movement you might make the mistake of thinking that Shaker interior doors are modern minimalist masterpieces. (They are masterpieces, and they are minimalist, but they most certainly aren’t modern.)
The beauty of the Shaker interior door has been admired, reproduced, copied, and spread throughout the world--far beyond the imaginings of the small religious group of the 1800s who were simply looking for a practical and sturdy asset to their homes.